ICarly (1992)

iCarly is an American children’s television sitcom that aired on ABC from September 8, 1992 to May 24, 1997. It starred Jane Doe and Sarah Michelle Gellar as best friends Carly Shay and Sam Puckett, who create their own public-access show after being featured on the local news.

News article
ABC’s ICarly to Compete With NBC’s New Teen Series

September 1, 1992

ABC recently announced their new Saturday-morning lineup. While live-action hits like “Hammerman”, a sitcom starring M.C. Hammer and Land of the Lost, the revival of the classic children’s adventure series have been renewed, the network has decided to discontinue their “More Cool TV” branding.

The biggest addition, however is “ICarly”, a series developed by “Head of the Class” alumni Dan Schneider and Brian Robbins. The new series will involve two best friends, Carly and Sam who host their own ‘home-grown’ variety show based around the latest technology with the help of their nerdy neighbor, Freddy Benson.

The series will have educational value, according to series co-creator Dan Schneider. “Networks have to air shows that are informative. Me and Brian pitched an idea about teens producing their own show-within-a-show and computers are involved as well and the executives love it.”

Meanwhile, NBC has been replacing their Saturday-morning cartoons with sitcoms aimed towards teenagers and ‘tweens’. Dubbed “Teen NBC”, their hit series, “Saved By the Bell” will start the new block at 10 a.m. on September 12.

It is clear that ABC is trying to compete with the peacock. Within the past few months, the network has been constantly promoting “ICarly” and has said they will plan to debut the series in primetime.

“ICarly” premieres on Tuesday, September 8 at 8 p.m. — occupying Full House’s timeslot. Regular episodes will begin airing on Saturday, September 12 at 10 a.m.